Potato soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for any season, but especially when the weather turns cold. The beauty of potato soup lies in its simplicity and versatility-whether you’re looking for something creamy, chunky, or somewhere in between, there’s a version of potato soup that suits your tastes.
This particular recipe for potato soup has no flour, which means you don’t need to worry about thickening agents or gluten. It’s a naturally thick, creamy soup, with the potatoes doing all the hard work of providing that comforting texture. The best part? It’s not only gluten-free but also incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
So, let’s dive into this deliciously creamy, potato-packed bowl of goodness. Here’s everything you need to know.
Potato Soup No Flour Recipe
What’s more satisfying than a bowl of homemade potato soup, especially when it’s naturally thickened with potatoes instead of flour? The texture is velvety, and the flavors are rich and hearty, making this recipe perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal. You’re going to love how quickly this comes together, with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients Needed
For this potato soup recipe, you’re going to need some basic ingredients. The star of the show is obviously the potatoes, but there are a few other key ingredients to help elevate the flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes – Russets are ideal because they break down nicely, adding a creamy texture without the need for flour.
- 1 medium onion – Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves of garlic – Garlic makes everything better and infuses the soup with warmth and fragrance.
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth – The base of the soup. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or chicken broth for a more meaty, savory flavor.
- 1 cup of milk – For creaminess without the flour. You can substitute heavy cream if you want a richer texture.
- 2 tablespoons of butter – For sautéing the onions and garlic, and to give the soup a lovely, rich flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- Optional toppings – Chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or sour cream for garnish.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to get cooking! Don’t worry, this recipe is simple and doesn’t require a lot of steps. Here’s how you can make this creamy, no-flour potato soup:
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes. If you like a chunkier soup, leave some bigger pieces; if you prefer a smoother texture, cut them smaller.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they’re soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them with the onions and garlic. Pour in the broth, ensuring the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Mash or blend the soup: Once the potatoes are tender, you have a couple of options depending on how smooth you want your soup. For a chunky texture, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the pot. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add milk and season: Stir in the milk and bring the soup back to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thicker soup, feel free to add a little more potato or reduce the broth slightly.
- Finish with toppings: Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, serve your potato soup with optional toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions. A dollop of sour cream can also add a nice cool contrast to the hot soup.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients and why they work together is key to making a great potato soup. Let’s break down some of the star ingredients:
- Potatoes: Potatoes are the backbone of this soup. When they cook, they break down into starch, which naturally thickens the soup. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they are starchy and make the soup nice and creamy without needing any flour or cornstarch.
- Onion and garlic: These two ingredients form the foundation of the flavor profile. The onion adds a bit of sweetness when sautéed, while the garlic provides a savory, aromatic base note.
- Broth: The choice of broth-vegetable or chicken-affects the depth of flavor. Chicken broth tends to add more richness, while vegetable broth is lighter and more neutral. You can even make your own broth for a more homemade touch.
- Milk: Adding milk balances the soup’s richness and creates a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or flour. It adds the perfect touch of creaminess to tie all the flavors together.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your potato soup to the next level, here are some tips from the experts:
- Use the right type of potatoes: Russet potatoes are high in starch and break down nicely, making them perfect for creamy soups. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which hold their shape and don’t contribute to the creamy texture.
- For extra creaminess: Consider adding a little bit of cream cheese or half-and-half to the soup. This will give it a rich, velvety texture without making it too heavy.
- Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the onions and garlic in butter before adding the broth deepens the flavor of the soup. It’s a small step but makes a big difference in the overall taste.
- Adjust the thickness: If your soup turns out too thick, simply add a little more milk or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes or let the soup simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken.
Recipe Variations
This potato soup recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize to fit your tastes. Here are some variations you can try:
- Cheesy potato soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a gooey, cheesy version. You can even add a bit of grated Parmesan for a tangy twist.
- Bacon-loaded potato soup: Crumble cooked bacon into the soup or use it as a topping for a salty, smoky flavor.
- Herbed potato soup: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup for extra flavor. You can add these in while the soup simmers for a more infused taste.
- Vegan potato soup: Make this soup vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil or vegan butter and using plant-based milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Choose vegetable broth for the base to keep it fully plant-based.
- Spicy potato soup: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. Top with a dollop of sour cream to balance out the spice.
Final Words
Potato soup is one of those classic dishes that feels like a comforting ritual every time you make it. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a slow Sunday cook, this version with no flour is guaranteed to satisfy. The potatoes themselves provide a naturally creamy texture, and with just a handful of ingredients, you get a rich, flavorful soup that’s easy to customize to your liking.
FAQs
Can I Make Potato Soup Without Using Flour As A Thickener?
Yes, you can make potato soup without flour by using alternatives like potato starch, cornstarch, or simply pureeing part of the potatoes to naturally thicken the soup.
What Can I Use Instead Of Flour For Thickening In Potato Soup?
Some great alternatives to flour for thickening potato soup include mashed potatoes, potato flakes, arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or even coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Is It Necessary To Use Dairy In A Flourless Potato Soup Recipe?
No, dairy is not required. You can use alternatives like vegetable broth, almond milk, or coconut milk to keep the soup dairy-free while still achieving a creamy consistency.
How Do I Make The Soup Creamy Without Flour?
To make the soup creamy without flour, you can blend a portion of the cooked potatoes with some broth or use coconut milk or cashew cream to enhance the texture and flavor.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead Of Regular Potatoes In A No-flour Potato Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in a no-flour potato soup recipe. Sweet potatoes will give the soup a naturally sweet flavor and a creamy texture when blended.
How Can I Make My Potato Soup Thicker Without Flour And Without Adding Extra Calories?
To thicken your potato soup without flour and without extra calories, you can blend some of the potatoes, or use a low-calorie thickener like xanthan gum or agar-agar in small amounts.
Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead Of Chicken Broth In A No-flour Potato Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth. This will make the soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans, without compromising the flavor.
How Long Should I Cook The Potatoes In A No-flour Potato Soup Recipe?
Typically, potatoes should be simmered in the broth for 15-20 minutes or until tender. This ensures that the potatoes break down or soften enough to either mash or blend into the soup for thickness.
Can I Freeze Potato Soup Without Flour?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup without flour. However, the texture may change slightly after freezing due to the potatoes’ starch content. To maintain texture, you might want to re-blend the soup after reheating.
What Is The Best Type Of Potato For A Flourless Potato Soup Recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russet potatoes are ideal for making flourless potato soup. They break down easily during cooking, giving the soup a smooth and creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier consistency.